Work is set to begin on Wednesday 23 July to replace ageing gas pipes in Highbury Road, Hitchin, as engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, take action to secure safe and reliable gas supplies.
The planned activity will involve the decommissioning of the current metallic gas pipes – which measure around 600 metres and were originally installed in the 1940s - and installing tough new plastic pipes which will last for decades, future proofing the Hitchin network.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, future-proofs the gas network through essential pipe upgrades to ensure the system is ready to support greener, cleaner gases and reduce leakages.
During the coming year to 31 March 2026, Cadent aims invest £91 million to upgrade more than 300 kilometres of gas pipe across the East of England.
Following consultation with Hertfordshire County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work between Wednesday 23 July and Friday 29 August, meaning the work will be completed during the school summer holidays.
Due to the location of the gas main, Highbury Road will need to be closed for the duration of the works with an agreed diversion route being put in place. Access will be made available to residents throughout the works.
Cadent Project Manager, Michael Wilson, said: We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year and these essential works will mean that we continue to deliver on that promise.
We have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities to try our best to ensure that we minimise disruption, whilst we carry out these essential works. Given the location of both Hitchin Girls School and North Herts Music School, we agreed that it made sense to complete the work during the school summer holidays.
Naturally, we recognise that this will cause frustration to residents and road users, so we would urge everybody to allow a little more time for their journeys.
I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely, and as swiftly, as possible.
Due to the nature of the work taking place, there will be times when the gas supply will be interrupted to properties along Highbury Road. This will be for a short period only. Gas supply is usually restored on the same day it goes off. If you are a resident and your gas supply will be affected as part of this work, our team will contact you directly to deal with any enquiries.
If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
0797 404 7450
